Sunday, 16 November 2025

Supermoon

 Wednesday 5 November - Lota

The first time I can recall looking for, or having any knowledge of a supermoon, was January 2018. Such a big fuss was being made in the media, that the both the Hungry Hikers and the Gaiter Girls, took themselves to Lota on the bayside to hike and then watch it rise.

Because of the time of sunset, its arrival was almost missed by the Hungry Hikers. It was a lovely moon but not spectacular. The following evening the Gaiter Girls hiked and waited and waited. Alas, it was a cloudy evening and we saw some of it for just a minute!



We were well prepared, but disappointed. 


Having visited Lota the week prior, and watched the sailing boats from our moon watching spot, the seed was sown to return for November's supermoon.

Unusually, Leanne and I were the only Hungry Hikers available to walk. We quickly covered our 10 km along the lovely bayside shoreline. 
Spot our hats reserving our table, on our return..We didn't want to lose the prime position in the time it took to return to our cars and collect the evenings provisions.

We had timed our walk well and once set up, relaxed with a glass of wine to wait the 20 minutes for the moon's arrival.

A lovely passing walker offered to take this shot for us.

Within minutes of turning around after the above photo, and 10 minutes earlier than expected, my eyes suddenly focused on a blurry moon, rising above the horizon. I grabbed my camera.

17.59 pm


Not being a 'photographer', [using only a point and shoot and iPhone] I find it fascinationg how the light effects the quality of the image. The iPhone couldn't see the above, but later it had better clarity than the camera.

Leanne's Iphone 15 pro, 18.04 pm

My Iphone 8, 18.06 pm.


Camera



iPhone 8
The pastel shades of sunset were becoming stronger and spreading across the horizon.


Camera
As the moon rose higher, a few wispy clouds wafted across its face.



iPhone15

The next 2 images were taken at the same time - 18.40 pm.

iPhone 8  

iPhone 15.

As we continued to sit and enjoy the extremely pleasant ambiance of the evening, we became aware that the tide had been rising. In fact quite quickly. Within minutes the mudflat was covered and we were treated to the lovely sound of water lapping against the seawall.

Ha, ha! That was in between 50 runners jogging past 3 or 4 times!

It was 7.30 pm when, with great reluctance, we packed up and bade the moon farewell. The joggers were still jogging.

Last views.
Camera

iPhone

Meanwhile I have a dear friend who lives on the Gold Coast. We always share moon photos. These special images arrived as I was getting into the car. They were taken across the Broadwater.


An absolutely perfect evening.

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Sunday, 9 November 2025

Here and There

Out and about over 2 weeks.

The week that I was at Lennox Heads, the weather here in Brisbane was excessive for spring. I thankfully enjoyed the cool coastal breezes. From the middle of July we had only 14 mls of rain. On my return from camping, my first job was to remove my very sad looking sweet peas that had given me so much wonderful colour over the previous months.

Sunday evening a massive thunderstorm passed through, dropping 19 mls here but sadly, in many areas the rain also brought damage from wind and huge hail.

Monday was a sizzler! 38C! I did nothing.

Tuesday the temperature dropped to a very welcome 22C and it rained constantly. 65mls. So welcome!

Wednesday, Hungry Hiker Day, we didn't know what to expect and chose an afternoon walk culminating at Night Feast at the Powerhouse.

The day dawned dry, a perfect spring day. Our walk of 10 km was along the Brisbane River and side streets.








The following Sunday I took two friends to the Bayside. Our initial destination was thwarted as, even at 10am, the park was filled with families enjoying the lovely day.  It was just as busy out on the water. The park we finally spent the day in gave us a great view of the water action, even if from a distance. 





A very grand, old eucalpyt tree. [gum tree]


Tuesday arrived. Janice and I were again the only Gaiter Girls available to walk. It had been over 4 years since the Gaiter Girls had visited Springbrook National Park in the hinterland.  As we had had so much rain, we headed there thinking the waterfalls would be quite spectacular after the heavy rain. They were lovely but not spctacular.

Jacaranda season is coming to a close, as can be seen in this park on the journey up.

We were expecting sunshine, but the whole day was misty, damp and beautifully moody.

The view to the coast from the ridge we were walking, before dropping down below the cliff line, was ever changing with the mist floating high and low.

The smiles tell the happiness we were feeling.

Moments along the 6 km Twin Falls circuit. 
















Not so enjoyable were the numerous leeches trying to hitch a ride. For some reason they thought Janice was the best escort.



Hike done, a cuppa was enjoyed surrounded by the lush green forest with entertainment from the birdlife.

A 30 minute drive took us to the Natural Arch. Janice had never previously visited. I took few photos as Matthew and I had walked the trail in May.

https://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2025/05/a-walk-with-my-son.html


My camera didn't focus on the flowing water or trees this visit, but nature's sculptures and tiny creations.









Cat bird - they really do sound like a meowing cat.

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